Planting Orchids

By Peng Duan-shu

So delicate the orchid,  a recluse scholar as well,
its footsteps facing valley, my peace of mind.
Even though numerous flowers bloom outside,
they are very vulgar still in front of it or around.
I couldn't fill the fields around my house with it,
but it's just the same as planting a few clusters.
I seem to feel the serenity in an autumn wind,
it's enticingly fragrant that my room is filled with.

translated by Chen Zihong

阶下种兰数丛

【清】彭端淑

幽兰如幽人，
移根向山谷。
非无百种花，
对此总尘俗。
不能艺九畹，
特值两三丛。
试看秋风起，
香飘满室中。

注：彭端淑（1699－1779），字仪一，号乐斋，眉州丹棱（今四川丹棱县人），他与李调元、张问陶一起被后人并称为“清代四川三才子”。雍正十一年进士，授吏部主事；乾隆十九年出任广东肇罗道道台。他晚年曾在成都锦江书院讲学。